Isabel Hurley

IN the first sign that the outbreak of sycamore seed poisoning may be slowing, just three new cases have emerged in then past week.

Dr Ursula Fogarty of the Irish Equine Centre said: “There has been a big reduction in the last week which is great to be able to say at last. There’s a definite slow down. It could be the compound in the helicopter seeds being broken down combined with the preventative measures people are taking.

“European expert Dr Dominique Votion will address an ITBA talk on the issue in December, we have had a lot of interaction with her and her team in Liege and they have been most helpful in this dreadful outbreak.”

It’s the worst outbreak in Ireland of Equine Atypical Myopathy (ATM) since records began.

Horse owner Amanda Power told The Irish Field yesterday of how her seven-year-old thoroughbred mare, Maggie, succumbed to the disease in July. The mare, a former racehorse, had been in excellent health until moved to a new paddock.

Within 30 hours, she had died of what is now known to be sycamore seed poisoning. Iniitally it was thought she had colic for which she received prompt veterinary attention. The mare’s urine was a dark colour.

“I have never seen a horse in so much pain. It was really terrible to watch. The vet was here five times in six hours. At one stage, she lay flat on her back with her two front legs curled up and her back legs kicking out. There was only two options, try and get her into an equine ambulance or put her down. It was not hard to make the latter decision, that’s how bad she was.

“Back in July, I was totally unaware of sycamore seed poisoning. I read about it a week later. I had changed Maggie’s paddock the night before she suddenly took sick. I went back up to the paddock and found the helicopter seeds all over the ground in the corner where she had been standing. Within six hours, she went downhilll. I have worked in yards in Ireland and Australia and have never seen anything like it. If I had known about sycamore seed poisoning back then, I would never have put her into that paddock without checking for sycamore seeds first,’’ said her owner.